Arsenal’s chances of finishing in the top four this season took a blow at the weekend as Arsene Wenger’s men went down 2-1 against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The Gunners struggled to create chances against a compact Spurs in the North London derby, with the absence of Alexis Sanchez weakening the visitors.

The Chile international moved to North London in the summer and has been a revelation in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals and creating seven assists for his new club so far in 2014-15.

Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida, who was not at the club when the Spaniards opted to sell Sanchez, has admitted that he wishes the South American was still at the Catalan outfit.

”I'd like Sanchez on at all my clubs, but sometimes can’t,” Braida told El Mercurio.

“I was not at the club at that time and I can not put myself in that situation. I only started my position this month.

“I do not know what reasons the club had to let him go, but now Sanchez is one of the best in the Premier League and is at a top level in world football.

"Alexis Sanchez is a great player, one of the world's best in his position. I know him well, he has an exquisite technique. Alexis Sanchez could have been one of my players and who knows if in the future he will be, you never know.”

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.